Librarian - All Levels (Anticipated Openings 2025-2026)

Springfield Public Schools (Massachusetts); Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools in Western Massachusetts is seeking a School Librarian/Unified Media Specialist to lead and manage the district's library services. You will oversee collection development, cataloging, interlibrary loan, and classroom support for instructional materials.

The role requires collaboration with principals, teachers and students, and participation in curriculum planning, professional development, and district initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; Master's degree preferred.
• Licensed as a School Librarian or Unified Media Specialist by the Massachusetts Department of Education, or in the licensure process.
• Candidates with licensure in Elementary Education and knowledge of library operations may be considered but must enroll in licensure program.
• Recent preparation or coursework in contemporary methods and materials in library science.
• Ability to work with principals, classroom teachers, parents and students; willingness to do professional reading and attend meetings.

Responsibilities

• Be directly responsible to the Principals.
• Operate and supervise the school library.
• Evaluate, select, and requisition new library materials.
• Assist teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials, and make library materials available to supplement the instructional program.
• Inform teachers and staff about new materials the library acquires.
• Maintain a comprehensive cataloging system and instruct staff and students on its use.
• Arrange for interlibrary loan of materials for teachers.
• Plan assignments to extend library resource use.
• Promote appropriate conduct of students in the library.
• Assist students in developing reference skills and independent work habits.
• Present and discuss materials with classes on invitation of the teacher.
• Participate in curriculum meetings.
• Arrange book displays and exhibits.
• Prepare and administer the library budget.
• Supervise library aides.
• Participate in educational associations at local, regional, state and national levels.
• Oversee clerical routines for smooth operation of the library.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Licensure

Collaboration with staff

Professional reading

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Master's degree preferred

Massachusetts licensure as School Librarian or Unified Media Specialist

Elementary Ed licensure pathway to Unified Media Specialist

Recent preparation in library science methods

Tools

Cataloging system

Job description

• Be directly responsible to the Principals.
• Operates and supervises the school library.
• Evaluates, selects, and requisitions new library materials.
• Assists teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials, and make library materials available to supplement the instructional program.
• Informs teachers and other staff members concerning new materials the library acquires.
• Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging all library materials, and instructs teachers and students on use of the system.
• Arranges for interlibrary loan of materials of interest or use to teachers.
• Works with teachers in planning those assignments likely to lead to extended use of library resources.
• Promotes appropriate conduct of students using library facilities.
• Helps students to develop habits of independent reference work and to develop skill in the use of reference materials in relation to planned assignments.
• Presents and discusses materials with a class studying a particular topic, on the invitation of the teacher.
• Participates in curriculum meetings.
• Arranges frequently changing book-related displays and exhibits likely to interest the library's patrons.
• Prepares and administers the library budget.
• Supervises library aides in the performance of their duties.
• Participates actively in library and other educational and professional associations on the local, regional, state, and national level.
• Supervises the clerical routines necessary for the smooth operation of the library.

Duties

• Be directly responsible to the Principals.
• Operates and supervises the school library.
• Evaluates, selects, and requisitions new library materials.
• Assists teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials, and make library materials available to supplement the instructional program.
• Informs teachers and other staff members concerning new materials the library acquires.
• Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging all library materials, and instructs teachers and students on use of the system.
• Arranges for interlibrary loan of materials of interest or use to teachers.
• Works with teachers in planning those assignments likely to lead to extended use of library resources.
• Promotes appropriate conduct of students using library facilities.
• Helps students to develop habits of independent reference work and to develop skill in the use of reference materials in relation to planned assignments.
• Presents and discusses materials with a class studying a particular topic, on the invitation of the teacher.
• Participates in curriculum meetings.
• Arranges frequently changing book-related displays and exhibits likely to interest the library's patrons.
• Prepares and administers the library budget.
• Supervises library aides in the performance of their duties.
• Participates actively in library and other educational and professional associations on the local, regional, state, and national level.
• Supervises the clerical routines necessary for the smooth operation of the library.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Master's degree preferred.
• Licensed as a School Librarian or Unified Media Specialist (all grades) by the Massachusetts Department of Education, or in the process of licensure.
• Candidates with licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Education in Elementary Education and knowledgeable of library operations MAY be considered for the position but MUST document formal enrollment as soon as possible into an accredited program leading to licensure as a Unified Media Specialist by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Recent preparation, or coursework, in contemporary methods and materials in the field of library science.
• Ability to work with principals, classroom teachers, parents and students.
• A willingness to do professional reading of research and to attend meetings designed to keep up to date in library operations.

If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!

About Our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at [e-mail].

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools' Title IX Coordinator, [e-mail], the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel of Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [e-mail].

Springfield Public School's sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to [e-mail].